As Su visits Washington, US politician shows support for Taiwanese fishermen

STALWART:In addition to backing Taiwan’s fishing rights, US Representative Ed Royce pushed for better trade ties and called for parole for Chen Shui-bian

By William Lowther / Staff reporter in WASHINGTON

“This multi-pronged legislation addresses over a dozen different aspects of the US-Taiwan relationship,” she said.

“Among its provisions is the authorization of the sale of much-needed F-16C/D fighter aircraft, as well as the transfer of decommissioned class guided missile frigates to Taiwan,” Ros-Lehtinen said.

About six members of the US Congress who addressed the reception to welcome Su also called on the administration of President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to grant medical parole to former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), who is serving a long prison term for corruption.

Ohio Republican Steve Chabot, who recently visited Chen in prison, said the former president was now so sick that he was shaking uncontrollably and had difficulty speaking.

Chabot called on Ma to “do the right thing” for Taiwan and grant Chen medical parole.

The reception was organized by the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA).

“A free and democratic Taiwan will maintain regional stability and is in the best interests of the US and Taiwan,” FAPA president Mark Kao (高龍榮) said.